Galveston College invites prospective students to learn more about its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program and to enroll for the spring 2026 semester.  Designed to prepare students for a career in emergency medical services, the Galveston College EMS program offers certificate and degree options.
 
The deadline to apply for GC’s spring 2026 semester EMS program is Jan. 9. Classes begin Jan. 12.
 
All EMS classes are held at the GC main campus, located at 4015 Ave. Q in Galveston, Mondays through Thursdays starting at 8 a.m. and ending by or before 4 p.m. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.
 
About the EMS Program
 
GC introduced its EMS program in 1980. The GC Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).  The Advanced EMT and EMT courses are approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
 
“Our faculty and staff are committed to the success of every student who enrolls in our program. We offer small classes that are taught by experienced EMTs and paramedics” said Galveston College EMS Program Director Scott Miles. “We educate and train from a real-world perspective, combining different teaching strategies to appeal to each student’s unique approach to learning. Students who complete our entry-level EMS certification courses can begin earning wages, gain experience, and choose to study part-time if they want to advance their EMS or paramedic training.”
 
Miles explained that upon completion of GC’s EMT courses, students are eligible to test with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, become certified as an EMT, and enter the workforce within 16 weeks.
 
Miles joined GC’s EMS program in July 2025. He also instructs several EMS classes each week. He has more than 38 years of experience in emergency care, EMS education and training, and leadership. Miles began his career as a medic in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany and at Fort Hood near Killeen, Texas. As a civilian, he worked as an EMT, paramedic and flight paramedic. 
GC EMS program graduates are currently employed by Galveston County Health District EMS, also known as Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (GAAA) and Galveston EMS (GEMS) UTMB, Galveston Fire Department, Texas City Fire Department Lamarque Fire Department and many others.
 
Daniela Carballo has been serving as an EMS program instructor at GC since January 2023. She completed the GC Paramedic program and earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Emergency Medical Services in May 2022. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Health Sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in December 2024. 
 
“I chose to attend Galveston College as a student because of its strong reputation for excellence in EMS education and the supportive, community-driven environment,” said Carballo. “From the moment I enrolled, I could tell that the instructors genuinely cared about their students’ success and were dedicated to preparing future EMTs and paramedics for real-world challenges.”
 
Carballo added: “I appreciated how hands-on the program was for me and continues to be for our students. The instructors pushed us students to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply our skills in realistic scenarios. The balance between classroom learning, lab skills, and field experience helped me to build confidence and a strong foundation for my career as a paramedic.”
In her role as an instructor, Carballo says she enjoys giving back to the same program that helped shape her career.
 
“Watching students grow from uncertain beginners to confident, capable providers is incredibly rewarding,” said Carballo. “I also enjoy being part of a team of passionate educators who share the same goal, which is to produce skilled, compassionate EMS professionals who make a difference in their communities.”
 
Carballo encourages those who are considering GC’s EMS program to “go for it.”
“If you have the passion and drive to help others, this program will give you the tools and support you need to succeed,” she said. “The experiences you gain here will prepare you for one of the most fulfilling careers imaginable.”
 
Learn More
 
GC routinely hosts campus tours for prospective students, high school career counselors and instructors, parents and family members. For more information about the Galveston College EMS program or to schedule a campus tour, please call 409-944-1481 or email smiles@gc.edu.
 
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.